Russia has reportedly used its hypersonic ballistic missile “Oreshnik” for the third time in the war in Ukraine during a large-scale overnight strike on Kyiv and surrounding regions, killing at least four people and injuring around 100 others.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said the missile hit the city of Bila Tserkva in the Kyiv region. He stated that the attack caused severe damage to civilian infrastructure, including a water supply facility, a market engulfed in fire, dozens of residential buildings, and several schools.
“They are truly insane,” Zelenskyy wrote on Telegram.
Later, he reported on X that around 100 people were injured across Ukraine, with Kyiv identified as the main target of the bombardment, and four fatalities confirmed in total.
Russia’s Ministry of Defence confirmed the use of the “Oreshnik” missile, which is capable of carrying both nuclear and conventional warheads. This marks the third reported use of the weapon since the start of the war.
Russian state media claimed the strikes targeted Ukrainian military command centers, airbases, and defense industry facilities, using a combination of “Oreshnik,” “Iskander,” “Kinzhal,” and “Zircon” missiles. Moscow described the attack as retaliation for Ukrainian strikes on civilian targets inside Russian territory.
Zelenskyy described the barrage as a “heavy attack,” saying that Russia launched around 600 drones and 90 missiles of various types, including 36 ballistic missiles.
“Unfortunately, not all ballistic missiles were intercepted. The majority of strikes hit Kyiv. Kyiv was the main target of this attack,” he said.
Kyiv Mayor Vitali Klitschko reported two deaths in the capital and 56 injuries, while two additional fatalities were recorded in the wider Kyiv region.
Damage was reported across all districts of the city. A school caught fire after being hit, while another strike on a business center left people trapped in a shelter.
The attack also damaged the National Art Museum of Ukraine, one of the country’s most important cultural institutions. The Ministry of Culture released images showing shattered windows, damaged ceilings, and debris across the building, though its collection reportedly remained intact.
“Russia is systematically targeting civilian infrastructure and cultural institutions. Each such attack is an attempt to intimidate and destroy our identity,” said Culture Minister Tetyana Berezhna.
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry also reported damage to its building for the first time since World War II. Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha said explosions near the historic site caused minor damage.
